There are many different opinions as to what Koi Fish Tattoos symbolize in tattoo art, many feel that there is a sexual symbolism to the styles and colours of Koi, some feel that the direction which a Koi swims in the tattoo symbolizes sexual orientation whereas others believe that the Koi is an expression of perseverance and achievement.

By far the strongest and most popular interpretation is that of aspiration, determination, achievement, ambition and perseverance in a journey to ones goal in life. This is continually reinforced by the tale of Dragon Gate and the arduous journey to be at one with ones destiny, perhaps the most recalled version of the meaning of the Koi Fish Tattoo. Any research will return a fairly constant result with regards to the meaning of this popular tattoo art form so in effect this almost pre conditions our opinion on the subject.

The Kois symbolism of sexualty in Tattoo art is not widely understood or believed, there are groups of people who try to reinforce the belief that the direction that the Koi swims along the body symbolizes ones sexual orientation, heterosexual or gay? This adoption of the belief is not so widespread as the perseverance interpretation.

In other cultures the Koi represents wealth, although this is not essentially within the tattoo community, the Kois symbolism of wealth is represented in the charm market, charms of Golden Koi represent wealth and good fortune, but this hasn’t been replicated in the tattoo world.

Other belief states suggest that the Koi is a symbol of uncompromising bravery, used in direct comparison to a Samurai warrior, the Koi is said after being landed by the fisherman, to lay rigid on the slab embracing its fate with the knife, this si the absolute symbol of the Samurai…accepting his fate in life or death in an honourable fashion. The Koi Fish is known to be the only creature that directly reflects the stoic heroism and strength of a Samurai.

Many other associations with the Koi are made directly with Yakuza members. The Yakuza are the feared gangs of Japanese organised crime who adopt a certain style of tattoo amongst their ‘gangs’ and cultures. The Yakuza have no direct association purely with Koi, although this doesn’t mean that they do not represent themselves in this art form. In the main, the Yakuza style of tattoo is reflected in modern day art forms using the stronger and more dangerous symbols such as the tiger or the snake, these are far more prominent in the Yakuza tattoo art forms. In fact more prominient is the style of the Japanese warrior in the act of slaying Japanese mythical beasts, this style is very popular and far more prominent than that of the koi fish art.

The greatest weight of evidence with regards to the Koi in tattoo art forms leans towards the perseverance, strength, endurance and struggle in achieving ones goal in life, this is the most popular reason for acquiring this ink style.

In essence there is no direct association with Koi Fish Tattoos and no right or wrong. The decision to have a Koi fish tattoo is purely based on an individuals desires and preferences, after carrying out independent and exhaustive research into the tattoo styles one will end up even more confused than when they started out. The choice is yours, the colour, the style the length and position are purely a matter of your own interpretation of the symbol.

The nine warrior Koi listened intently to the elders’ tales, their emotions were a mixture of fear and excitement, the passion for their collective ambition drove them to one day, make the journey to Dragons Gate. The names of the nine Koi were Akihito, Naruhito, Noryuki, Jakehiro, Michiko, Eko, Etsuko, Juri and Ikumi and they were 5 girls and 4 boys, equal in strength, determination and intelligence but very different in character. Each koi had its own distinctive marking which allowed the Princess to give them each a name.

Akihito, was a male Koi and probably the most dominant of the warriors
Naruhito, was a male Koi very sympathetic in nature but strong minded nonetheless
Noryuki, was a male Koi, the wildest of the bunch
Jakehiro, was a male Koi, the maverick
Michiko, was a female Koi, very wise with great leadership instinct
Eko, was a female Koi, independent in every way even with an injured tail fin
Etsuko, also a female Koi, the youngest and most energetic of the warriors
Juri, a female Koi and the oldest warrior, the great councillor
Ikumi, probably the prettiest of the Koi, beware this warriors beauty !

return frequently to read more about the 9 Warrior Koi and the journey to Dragon Gate!

So compelling were the tales that the princess created that the Koi became totally devoted to her, agreeing between them all, to ensure that her childhood dreams would reach fruition when she became older. As the Koi grew stronger and wiser they heard of the mystical powers of Dragon Gate and dreamed of one day making the journey along Yellow River to become Dragons in their quest to protect the Empire. The Koi elders would tell tales of the dangerous journey along Yellow River and the tremendous strength that Koi would need to endure the climb to Dragon Gate swimming against the strongest of known currents and jumping the most powerful of any known waterfall.

The nine Warrior Koi Fish began their hard rigorous training without delay so that they may one day make the journey to Dragon Gate.

Dragon Gate is a place that sits at the top of Yellow River, it is the source of mystical forces and draws the Koi into it’s magnetic current. The Koi swims against the current and jumps out of the rapid waters to gain distance against the strong currents of Yellow River…it’s sole ambition is to reach Dragons Gate to become a Dragon.

A symbol of perseverance, strength and determination, the Koi is revered by many tribes and cultures in todays societies. Not least is the Tattoo community where the Koi is chosen as a permanent mark upon the body to signify the subjects strength and perseverance in life, an hommage to a struggle throughout a journey to reach ones ultimate goal.